Iran’s Missile Arsenal May Be Under 1,000 As Drone Attacks Taper: Ian Bremmer
Ian Bremmer says Iran’s missile stockpile may be below 1,000 and drone launches have dropped sharply during conflict.
Geopolitical expert Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, told NDTV in an exclusive interview that Iran's stockpile of ballistic missiles has been significantly depleted by ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes, potentially falling below 1,000 remaining units. He noted a marked tapering in Iran's drone attacks, with fewer launches compared to the intense barrages at the start of the conflict, signaling a degradation in Tehran's retaliatory capacity after nearly two weeks of sustained military pressure.
Bremmer's assessment aligns with broader reports from U.S. officials and defense sources indicating sharp declines in Iranian missile and drone activity. Earlier statements from U.S. Central Command highlighted reductions of around 90% in ballistic missile attacks and 83% in drone strikes over recent 24-hour periods, attributing this to targeted destruction of launchers, production facilities, and command structures. Bremmer emphasized that while Iran's navy has been rendered largely ineffective and air defenses overwhelmed, the regime's ability to sustain drone operations could persist longer due to their lower cost and decentralized nature.
The comments come as the U.S.-led Operation Epic Fury enters its second week, with the White House projecting primary objectives achievable in four to six weeks. Bremmer highlighted the asymmetric nature of the conflict, where high-end U.S. and Israeli assets have rapidly neutralized Iran's conventional threats, but cheaper, mass-produced drones continue to challenge regional defenses across Gulf states. He suggested this could prolong certain aspects of Iranian resistance even as core missile capabilities erode.
Also Read: US Signals Massive Strikes On Iran While Drones Target Qatar Amid Escalating War
Amid the escalating war, which began with coordinated strikes on February 28, 2026, following failed nuclear talks, Iran's retaliatory waves have targeted U.S. bases and allies in Qatar, UAE, Iraq, and beyond, though interception rates remain high. Bremmer's analysis underscores a shifting battlefield dynamic, with Iran's once-formidable missile arsenal—previously estimated in the thousands—now critically diminished, potentially limiting its ability to mount large-scale barrages.
This development reflects the intense focus of U.S. and Israeli operations on degrading Iran's ballistic and drone threats to protect regional troops and allies. As the conflict continues, experts like Bremmer warn that while military setbacks mount for Tehran, the broader strategic and humanitarian implications remain uncertain, with no immediate signs of de-escalation from either side.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Warns of Economic Hit to India Amid Escalating US-Iran "Superpower" Conflict
